Aileen
Dave sighed in response.
“I’ll see you at the dinner table. Go and freshen up,” he replied before turning away to sit on the couch like he did before.
“I’ll heat up the food then,” Mom replied, patting me on my back. “Tell me everything about it afterward.”
I nodded, “Sure.”
I returned to my room and took a shower. Things are going to be so awkward at the dinner table.
I don’t think I can let Dave know about Skylar’s arrival tomorrow.
Dave was already present when I went downstairs. Mom was bringing the plates to the table.
When I arrived at the table, I made sure to sit away from Dave. I didn’t want to cause any misunderstanding, but I didn’t have the energy to argue with him over something simple.
“Aileen, what are your favorite foods today? Eat as much as you like,” Mom said, sitting down beside me.
“I will,” I murmured low.
Dave was silent and began eating. But I could feel him judging me even though he said nothing.
If only he knew what Marshall is going through then maybe he wouldn’t be so suspicious so much.
I want to lift his burden so he can live comfortably. I have to help Becky no matter what. And it has to happen before her birthday.
“Your hands aren’t moving, are you even hungry?” Dave comments, staring at me.
I looked down at my plate and noticed I hadn’t even touched anything.
“Oh, uh, I’m eating.”
Is he only looking at me or what? I can’t eat under so much pressure.
“Tomorrow’s finally the weekend, I wanted to relax at home. But, that won’t be possible I think,” he remarks looking in Mom’s direction.
“You won’t be home? But, didn’t you say you would be free all day?? what happened?”
“Well, there was a situation at the office. That’s why I have to go meet some investors personally. We’ll have a long chat and lunch together as well. So, I have to leave early in the morning. Sorry about it.”
“Aww…. it’s okay. But, don’t push yourself too far. Try to come back home in the evening to spend some time with the family.”
“Yeah, I’ll try to do that. Let’s see….” He glanced at me when he said that.
I quickly averted my gaze. I felt a load off my chest when he said the news.
Thank god, he won’t be at home. I don’t have to worry about sending Skylar home.
Everything is going smoothly. Oh god, I just want to play some games and relax for now. Skylar is my lifesaver.
“I have a shift tomorrow in the morning. But, I’ll try to be back in the evening. Maybe we can eat some snacks and watch a show together on TV? Doesn’t that sound like a great family activity?” Mom suggested he looked quite excited about it as well.
“It does,” Dave replied, smirking at me. “You choose the show. I’ll try to be back as fast as I can.”
“What do you think, Aileen?” Mom asked.
“Uh…. good, I guess? I’m fine either way.”
“Then, it’s fixed.”
After dinner, I quickly ran back to my room. So, Dave won’t be able to question me.
I closed the door and went to lie down on my bed.
I’m so sleepy, my feet can’t move anymore. I’ve been running here and there all day.
I just want to relax and sleep.
Suddenly, someone knocked on my door.
“Aileen, it’s me,” Mom’s voice drew my attention
I sat upright. “Come in!”
She came inside and closed the door behind her. Then walked over to my side.
“So, what’s up with this, Skylar boy?” she whispered low, “You went to attend his party and are now bringing him over to your house also? Is he really just your friend or…special friend whom you can’t confess your feelings to?”
“Mom! He’s my best friend, one of my good friends. Nothing more than that!” I retorted.
“Really now?” she looked at me suspiciously. “Just a best friend? Nothing more than that?”
“Nothing more than that!”
“Hm…it’s not so interesting anymore. I thought maybe you had a crush on him, but is having a hard time telling that. That’s why you invited him over to your house to confess your feelings. Guess, I’m wrong.”
“How could you even think that? I don’t see Skylar as a romantic partner or objective. Just forget about it!”
“Fine, fine, don’t get angry. I was just kidding with you.”
“Don’t joke like this.”
For god’s sake! If Dave hears about our conversation he’ll be furious. In the first place, I’m calling behind him. If he gets the slightest clue about this matter, it’ll be…. a disaster!
“Anyway, so what’s this boy like? Tell me more about him,” she giggled.
“Nothing! He’s my friend, a boy and that’ll all you need to know.”
“What? Won’t you tell me about him?”
“Not now. You are way too curious right now. I can’t risk anything.”